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Location

Bojanala East is situated close to Gauteng, and is the most scenic region of the province

Bojanala-Rustenburg region is covered in natural bushveld vegetation. With the added attraction of the Magaliesberg, this region has much to offer to the eco-tourist. It is a natural game area with a number of fine game parks.

There is a large variety of historical and cultural interests to be found in the area, such as the German community of Kroondal that dates back to 1857, the indigenous Bafokeng, Bakgatla and Botswana tribes with their totemic and other tribal traditions.

Bojanala-Eastern Region is situated close to Gauteng, and is the most scenic region of the province. If you like adventure, this is your kind of region. Water activities, mountain sports, hang-gliding, parasailing, abseiling, hiking trails, angling, yachting, ballooning, cable way and leisure.

This region is host to the internationally-renowned Lost City Sun City complex with two designer golf courses, 6000-seat Superbowl, the largest casino and gaming complex in the country and its situation in the extinct Pilanesberg volcano formed more than 1300 million years ago. It is adjacent to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve which is home to thousands of animals including the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant.

Here rests the Cradle of Humankind, set around the Rustenburg, Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort regions. The area abounds with relics from the Stone Age and early middle and late Iron Age. There are a large number of arts, crafts and curio outlets, especially in the Hartbeespoort Dam and Rustenburg areas. Many form part of the Crocodile, Rustenburg and Magliesburg Arts and Crafts Rambles – ever popular with visitors.

The northwest of the region borders on the Madikwe Game Reserve, a haven to visitors who want to live the African experience.

History

The area also symbolises the resettlement and separate development policies of the old the apartheid years. The Odi-Moretele-Soshanguve area consisting principally of towns like GaRankuwa, Hebron, Mabopane, Soshanguwe, Winterveldt, Nuwe Eersterus and Kudube/Babelegi is a case in point.

When the former homeland of Bophuthatswana became independent, most of the area was handed over to its government. Eighty percent of Bophuthatswana’s population was living in the area. According to recent studies the past policies that guided the development of the Odi-Moretele-Soshanguve region, were not economically motivated, but were designed for the creation and accommodation of a labour pool, available to the larger Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging area, through mass transportation systems. These studies revealed that the policies were not appropriate to developing self-sufficiency or interdependent communities increasing local investment, local employment creation and entrepreneurial activity.

This led to unnatural and artificial distribution of urban areas and transportation systems. There were large, featureless, dependent dormitory settlements without defined urban centres, remote from primary employment and economically active centres. Private sector and informal activities were inhibited. This led to the lack of local markets, commercial outlets and investment opportunities.

A variety of historical and cultural interests are to be found in the area.

Location

Western region of the North West Province

“Getting closer to nature” is the main focus of the Dr Ruth S. Mompati District (formerly Bophirima Region or Stellaland).

The principal town, Vryburg, is the centre of a large agricultural district which has all the modern conveniences. However moving out of the town and into the real Bophirima will provide a uniquely relaxing break from modern life. The larger part of the region is still commonly known as Stellaland. Taung is the site of the discovery of the Taung skull, one of the world’s most important archaelogical discoveries. The region is also affectionately known as “The Texas of South Africa” given its strong mining and agricultural economy.

The region is situated 1,200m above sea level and has an annual average rainfall of 430mm. The climate is dry and healthy, particularly in winter when days are sunny and bracing. Summers are hot with temperatures ranging from 16 – 38 degrees C.

The vast expanses of this African savannah bushland is home to a great variety of game species, including lion, buffalos and rhino to be encountered at number of privately owned game reserves.

Attractions

The Ngaka Modiri Molema District (Central Region) is home to Mahikeng, the capital of the province. Aptly named, the slogan of the capital is ‘The City of Goodwill’. It is a rapidly growing, modern, residential, administrative and commercial town, that contrasts with its fascinating history.

The area is fairly flat and dry in the west, becoming bushveld towards the east.

Toro Ya Me Cruise Boat – Hartbeespoort Dam

Sizzling Specials

For the following months, Toro Ya Me is instituting regular Sunday late morning cruises on Toro Ya Me. These cruises are “casual” meaning it is offered on a first come first served basis. The cruiser is licenced to take on board a maximum of 35 passengers. It is therefore imperative that bookings are confirmed prior to arrival to be guaranteed a seat.

Wonderful Water Adventures

The North West Province is home to some of South Africa’s largest and most renowned bodies of water, such as the Hartbeespoort Dam, Bloemhof Dam and Barberspan. Visitors to any of these locations can look forward to myriad water-centered sports and activities, including windsurfing, sailing, skiing, canoeing, fishing, diving, and snorkelling. For a less challenging experience, enjoy a leisurely cruise, a peaceful picnic alongside the water or simply be treated to a spectacular aquatic sunset.

African Water Safari

A floating restaurant affords a languid cruise on the tranquil Hartbeespoort Dam, renowned for its unforgettable aquatic sunset.

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary

A huge 2000 ha body of water located between Delareyville and Sannieshof – canoes and rowing boats are allowed in the southern section of the dam.

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve

One of the largest dams in South Africa, covering an area of some 25 000 ha and reaching over 100 km upstream from the dam wall – the dam is open for all water sports. The long yellow grasses contrast against the azure blue, northern shores of the Bloemhof Dam.

Elgro River Lodge

World renowned fly fishing location. We also offer river rafting, game drives, paint ball, caving and climbing, abseiling, relationship building courses.

Hartbeespoort Dam

The perfect spot for an adventure getaway – offering wonderful picnic spots and an opportunity to windsurf, sail, canoe or body-board.

Lenyebe River Lodge

Fly fishing and sun set cruising. We also offer hiking trails, conference facilities and accommodation.

Molopo Nature Reserve

Gambling in the North West Province

Sun City Resort

The Sun City Resort is nestled in the Pilanesberg mountain range, in the Pilanesberg National Park, a mere 45km away from the town of Rustenburg. There are two casinos in the resort: the Sun City Hotel Casinoand the Jungle Casino.

The resort has five separate hotels, including the Palace of the Lost City Hotel and Vacation Club. Other lodges and resorts are also available in Pilanesberg as well as in surrounding areas.

The Sun City Hotel is next to the world famous Gary Player Golf Course and has a number of cafes, restaurants, bars and the hotel Extravaganza Theatre that host spectacular shows.

Apart from gambling, there are dozens of other activities to suit the whole family, from toddlers to pensioners!

The Sun City Hotel Casino

Located in the Sun City Hotel, the casino has approximately 383 gaming slots, a Salon Prive and a remarkable 38 casino tables. It also comprises of an International Room for high stakes which is per invitation only.

The Jungle Casino

The Jungle Casino is Located in the Entertainment Centre of the Sun City Resort. It has approximately 268 machine slots, numerous restaurants, cafes, food courts, a book store, pharmacy, movie house, game arcade, dance clubs and sports bars with the famous Sun City Superbowl that hosts superstar performances, galas and sports events. It also has a variety of shops for souvenirs, handbags, shoes, accessories, fine jewellery and curios.

Tusk Rio Casino

The Tusk Rio Casino is located in Klerksdorp, just off the N12 highway. The casino has modern slot machines, 11 casino tables and a Salon Prive. Other facilities include a games arcade for children of all ages, a creche for the little ones, a restaurant, Barnyard Theatre and banqueting facilities for all your private functions and parties.

Tusk Rio is only a few minutes drive away from Klerksdorp Town Centre. The casino does not offer any accommodation but there is a number of hotels and guest houses in the town.

Tusk Mmabatho Hotel

The Tusk Mmabatho is situated in Nelson Mandela Road, in the historic town of Mafikeng, Mmabatho. The casino has about 9 tables as well as gaming slots adjacent to the tables.

The hotel has accommodation, a shop, restaurants, bars, recreational facilities and a health spa. A modern shopping complex is only 2km away from the hotel. Alternative accommodation is available in two nearby hotels and a number of guest houses in town.

Game types: Black Jack, American Roulette and pokerFacilities: Smoking, non-smoking and wheelchair friendlyOperating hours:
Monday to Friday from 16h00 to close
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays from 13h00 to close.

The Carousel

The Carousel is situated in Temba, on the old Warmbaths Road, close to the N1 to Polokwane, 55km from Pretoria. The Carousel Casino has approximately 20 casino tables and 700 slot machines.

The hotel has 57 rooms and a resident bar. The Carousel also has a Cheyenne Saloon for shows, Nickelodeon Arena for concerts and functions, a number of restaurants and fast food outlets, recreational facilities including motocross and local and International boxing matches.

There is an adventure park for children with a movie house and a variety of games. Alternative accommodation is offered at Acacia Place Lodge situated in the bushveld close to the The Carousel.

Game types: American Roulette, Black Jack and PokerFacilities: Smoking, non-smoking and wheelchair friendlyOperating hours:
Daily from 11h00 until close.

Adrenalin rush in the north west – Magaliesburg Canopy Tours

Experience the thrill of sliding through the forest on a 2 ½ hour Tarzan and Jane style adventure. Enjoy the unequalled beauty of the ancient Magaliesberg mountain range, while traversing 30 metres above the forest floor.

The tour consists of about a kilometre long “foefie” slide divided up into separate slides of varying lengths. Slides are joined together by platforms built high on the cliff faces of the 2,500 year old Magaliesberg mountain range. Slides of up to 140m long provide unforgettable rides and spectacular views.

The experience begins with a briefing session at the Canopy Tour office where you will be tutored on the do’s and don’ts during the tour. You will also be kitted out with your harness, pulley, safety helmet and sliding glove and will be given an opportunity to ask any questions to your guide. After the briefing session you will be transported to the first platform where your adventure begins. As you take off on the first slide you will find yourself entering an enchanting new world where you are one with your natural surroundings.

Enjoy the adrenalin of the slides, or spend a couple of minutes relaxing while your guides enthusiastically explain the ecology of your surroundings. Trained canopy guides ensure the safety of each group while describing interesting facts about the surrounding environment and pointing out bird and plant species.

Come and enjoy this pristine environment.

Safety is paramount and the system has been built to the highest civil engineering standards. All equipment is state of the art and guides are fully trained.

Tours depart every half an hour from 6:30 am to 16:30pm in summer and 7:30am to 15:00 in winter.

Suitable for persons from 7 years and older. Canopy Tours are great for the whole family, groups and corporate team builds. A maximum of 8 people are taken per group but larger group bookings can be accommodated.

Adrenalin rush in the north west – world’s longest zip slide

Guests to the North West can now look forward to an exciting new adventure activity: A ride on the PRONUTRO ZIP 2000, the longest zip slide in the world.

The zip slide is 280 meters high, two kilometers long, reaches a speed of 140 kilometers per hour and guarantees a four minute unadulterated adrenalin rush.

The zip slide adheres to all necessary safety standards. Secured in a harness and suspended below a free running trolley that is attached to a steel cable one experiences the feeling of flying and acceleration as you descend down the wire.

At times 100m high and at other times only 4.5m above the ground. The cable runs from the top of the 280m high koppie and the other is attached to the top of a mast 2km away.

Towards the end of the ride, your decent is slowed as you go uphill, then roll back to the lowest point on the wire where you dismount the ride.

Solo and tandem slides are available so this ride has an appeal for even the most amateur adventure junkie.

Unlike many other adventure activities, this experience is open to young ones from the age of 12, making it a fun activity for the whole family.

The start of the zip slide is on the top of a koppie, 5-minutes from Sun City.

Ten riders and six spectators can be accommodated per tour.

With adventure activities being one of the fastest growing markets within the leisure industry, the zip slide is bound to be a big draw card to the North West Province as well as Sun City Resort, securing Sun City a spot on the adventure tourist’s map.

Bookings for the zip slide experience can be made via the Sun City Welcome Centre Information desk by calling 014 5571544.

Place of Beauty and Pleasure

Location

The Harbeespoort Dam is in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province.

History

The Dam wall was constructed in 1925. Its current capacity is 205 million cubic metres and its shoreline, when full, is about 56km.

The Hartbeespoort Dam, surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg mountain range, is a popular destination for weekend getaways or day trips. All water sports may be enjoyed including para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.

For the more adventurous we offer paragliding, hang-gliding or hot air ballooning. We have an aquarium, private zoo, a snake park and a cable way. Or, explore and discover the scenic beauty, entertaining attractions, fun activities & places of interest of this wonderful land.

The village of Hartbeespoort is situated along the shores of the dam, among undulating hills and panoramic views on the dam and the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains. Enjoy the tranquility of the hills and valleys, the scenic drives, challenging hikes and gentle rambles on offer.

Also of interest is the Crocodile Ramble, an arts and crafts route with day visitor and overnight facilities. Pecanwood Estates hosts the annual Nelson Mandela Invitation Golf Tournament.

The Heritage Route starts at the dam, going north to the Pilanesberg National Park and on to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the north.